The 2018 Ulster GAA led Female Handball Conference, supported by Department of Communities, was held at Queens PEC Belfast on Thursday 1st February where over one hundred and twenty secondary school girls attended.
The conference was a fully interactive day, apart from the Nutrition and Hydration Workshop (delivered by Ulster GAA's Gareth Thornton), the workshops were all practical activity using the various handball facilities on site and delivered by National Development Officer Darragh Daly and a quality field of top female Handballers including;
- Fiona Shannon (3 time World Singles Champion)
- Aisling Reilly (2 time World Singles Champion)
- Sibeal Gallagher (Multiple World Doubles Champion)
- Megan McCann (Current Minor All-Ireland Champion)
- Eilise McCrory (#8 Ranked Irish Senior)
There is huge demand for handball in primary and secondary schools, it appeals to schools as the games are played predominantly indoors and little equipment is needed. All you need is a ball and a wall. Many GAA Clubs are starting to see the benefits of handball, the skills are transferable across all GAA codes and it is a good outlet for winter training for footballers and hurlers.
Ulster GAA have been running provincial school competitions for boys and girls since 2011 with numbers increasing annually, the task now is for GAA clubs to provide the opportunity outside of school.
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Shane McCann - Active Clubs Coordinator, Ulster GAA
GAA Handball would like to thank the Ulster GAA Staff for their continued, proactive support to our code.
